DECEMBER 24th & 25th | All BCPL locations will be closed for the Christmas holidays. The Library will reopen Wednesday morning at 9:00 AM.

We are still fine-tuning issues with our new catalog system. This includes updating the book carousels on our website, such as the New Arrivals feature on our homepage. Thank you for your patience as we work to update older catalog links and look for the best method to display book widgets with our new system.

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Use the menu to the right to learn about all available resources for a particular format (like e-books!), or click on a specific resource icon (like Hoopla!) to begin exploring available titles. With just a few simple clicks, you can access thousands of free e-books, audiobooks, music albums, videos, and more.

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Library Policies

The Library Board of Trustees is responsible for determining and adopting written policies to govern the operation of the library.

Borrower’s Policy

The Bullitt County Public Library encourages everyone to use and enjoy public libraries. While many of our services are available to everyone, the ability to sign up for a library card and borrow library materials does have certain eligibility requirements that must be met. In order to be eligible for a Bullitt County Public Library card, a patron must either be:

A Bullitt County resident;

A resident of a neighboring county (Hardin, Meade, Nelson, Spencer, or Jefferson);

A Bullitt County land owner;

An employee of a business within Bullitt County; or,

A student attending a Bullitt County school

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Visitor cards can be obtained on a month-to-month basis with proof of current address (see below for requirements).

To apply for a library card, all patrons or their parent, guardian, or responsible party must show identification and proof of current address. Acceptable forms of identification include:

Driver’s license

Picture ID

Work ID

Acceptable proof of current address includes:

Current billing statements

Recent mail addressed to a residence

Current pay stub

Adult cards will be issued to patrons aged 18 and older. Patrons under the age of 18 will be issued a juvenile card and must have a parent, guardian, or responsible party sign their application form; the person that signs the application card must also have a Bullitt County Public Library card with an account in good standing. Patrons must be present to sign up for a library card. Patrons under the age of 18 are eligible to receive an adult card if a parent, guardian, or responsible party signs a permission form.

Parents and/or caregivers of those patrons over the age of 18 that require special care may be listed as the responsible party upon request. Bullitt County Public Library cards are valid for periods of one year.Cards may be renewed as long as the patron is still eligible, in good standing, and not over any fine limit. Proof of current address is required in order to renew a library card.

Restricted cards may be issued to patrons below 18 years of age if they are unable to have a parent, guardian, or responsible party sign their application form.These cards allow the checkout of a limited number of items and access to some online resources.Restricted cards expire annually on the date determined by the Bullitt County Board of Education as the beginning of the new school year.

Last reviewed February 28, 2017.

Confidentiality, Open Records, and Open Meetings

Confidentiality

It is the policy of the Bullitt County Public Library to protect as far as possible the privacy of all library patrons and to make no inquiry into the purposes for which a patron requests information or materials. Records which may be required in controlling the use of materials either on or off the premises of the library are for the sole purpose of protecting public property and such records are not used directly or indirectly to identify the kinds of materials used by individual library patrons, except insofar as the library may be helpful to such a patron in finding requested information.

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Confidential patron records can only be made available to third parties with the appropriate court order or in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the Federal Government.

Open Records

Records are available for inspection during library hours only. If the records to be inspected are from a prior fiscal year, a waiting period may be required in order to retrieve the records requested. The library will charge $0.10 per photocopy.

Open Meetings

The Bullitt County Public Library complies with the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Open Meetings Law (KRS 61.80 0 – 61.850 ) and its amendments.

All library governance meetings will be open to the public, publicized in accordance with the law, and held at a time and place convenient for the public to attend

Last revised September 9, 2014.

Lost Materials Policy

If an item checked out to a patron is reported lost, or if it is not returned within 100 days of the due date, the Library will charge the patron a fee equal to the full retail price of the material. Overdue fines will continue to accrue until the item is returned or the fee is paid. Once the item is paid for, it becomes the property of the patron. The Library is not able to refund a patron if he or she finds the item after paying the lost materials fee. The Library is not able to accept replacement copies of lost materials in lieu of payment.

Last revised February 28, 2017.

Materials Selection Policy

Library Aims

The aim of the Bullitt County Public Library is to provide service and selection to all people. Fulfilling the education, informational , cultural, and recreational needs of these people is the Bullitt County Public Library’s broad purpose. More specifically, it helps people to keep up with change in all areas, educate themselves continually, become better members of their family and community, become socially and politically aware, be more capable in their occupations, develop their literature and art, contribute to the overall expanse of knowledge, and stimulate their own personal social well being. The library adheres to the principles of intellectual freedom as expressed in the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement, and Freedom to View Statement. All materials are selected by this Library in accordance with these basic objectives.

Criteria for Selection

All materials, whether purchased or donated, are considered in terms of the criteria listed below. An item need not meet all of these standards in order to be added to the collection.

Responsibility for Materials Selection

Responsibility for the initial selection of library materials rests with the Library’s professional staff, based on the criteria for selection list above. Final responsibility for selection of books and library materials is and shall be vested in the Director.

Censorship

The selection of library books and materials is predicated on the library patron’s right to read, and similarly, his or her freedom from censorship by others. Many books are controversial and any given item may offend some persons. Selections for this Library will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the merits of the material in relation to the building of the collection and to serving the interests of the readers. This Library holds censorship to be a purely individual matter and declares that, while anyone is free to reject for one’s self books and other materials of which he or she does not approve , one cannot exercise this right to censorship to restrict the freedom of others. With respect to the use of library materials by children, the decision as to what a minor may read is the responsibility of his parent or guardian. Selection will not be inhibited by the possibility that books may inadvertently come into the possession of minors.

Gifts

The Bullitt County Public Library accepts gifts of new or gently used items in media formats which we regularly circulate or offer the use of in house. Decisions on whether and how donated items will be added to the Library’s collections are based on the same evaluative criteria that are applied to purchased materials and are subject to the following limitations:

The library retains unconditional ownership of the gift

The library makes the final decision on the use or other disposition of the gift

The library reserves the right to decide the conditions of display, housing and access to the materials

Gifted items that are not added to the collections will be sold in public sales or disposed of .

Collection Maintenance, Replacement , and Weeding

Professional library staff regularly reviews items in the collection to ensure that they continue to meet customers’ needs. Materials that are worn, obsolete, unused, old editions, or unnecessarily duplicated are removed. It is the responsibility of professional staff to assess the need for replacing materials that are damaged, destroyed, or lost. Items are not automatically replaced. Decisions are based on need, demand, and budget.

Reconsideration of Material

Reconsideration of material in collections is also a continuing process. Any current Bullitt County resident or staff member who seriously requests reconsideration of materials should be given a “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form. As soon as that form is completed by the requester, a committee of the Library’s professional staff shall evaluate the original reasons for the purchase and the book in question. The objections will be considered both in terms of the library’s materials selection statement and the opinion of the various reviewing sources used in materials selection. The committee shall communicate their decision, in writing, to the complainant. If the complainant still feels that his objections have been met with inadequately, the complainant may make a written request that the material be placed before the Director for evaluation. The Director will communicate his or her decision, in writing, to the complainant.

Last revised April 14, 2015.

Overdue Materials Policy

The Library sets fines on overdue circulating materials in order to encourage patrons to return items by the set due dates. The types of materials that the Library circulates, along with corresponding check out limits, due dates, and overdue fines for late returns, can be found in the Library’s Circulation Policy.

Patrons will be notified of their overdue material by telephone or email. If a patron does not return overdue material within 100 days of the due date, the material will go to lost status and a notification will be sent to inform the patron of lost material by U.S. mail.

The overdue fine will continue to accrue until the fine on each item matches the current cost of that item or the maximum fine limit is reached for an account. All library accounts have a maximum fine cap of $20.00.

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If a patron’s unpaid fines exceed $10.00, the borrower’s card will be blocked until all of the fines have been paid. No renewals or new checkouts of items will be permitted. Patrons with materials overdue for more than 100 days will have their cards blocked until the overdue materials are returned.

Overdue fines on lost and damaged materials will be waived when the replacement costs of the materials are paid.

Public Internet Access Policy

The Bullitt County Public Library provides access to a broad range of information resources, including free access to the Internet for informal and educational use.

The Internet is a global electronic information infrastructure, a network of computer networks created and used by governments, businesses, organizations, educators, and individuals. The Internet is not subject to regulations that assure the content or accuracy of information. Users should critically evaluate sources for accuracy, completeness, and currency. The Bullitt County Public Library or any other entity exercises no control over its content. Some people may find some materials on the Internet offensive.

To the extent practical, technology protection measures shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, block shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors. Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disable or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research of other lawful purposes.

Internet resources are provided equally to all persons from the Bullitt County Public Library locations. Computer users may be required to check out the computers using the library’s reservations system for certain computes. Others are available but may re quire reserving a conference room or computer lab in advance.

Use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in cancellation of this privilege. Examples of inappropriate use include, but are not limited to, the following:

Violation of computer integrity

Unauthorized tampering with computer hardware or software

Violation of another user’s privacy

Transmission of threatening, obscene harassing materials.

Violation of state obscenity and federal sexual harassment laws, which prohibit printing or display of sexually explicit materials in public places

To the extent practical, the staff of the Bullitt County Public Library will attempt to supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Ultimately, though, it is the responsibility of Parents or Legal Guardians to supervise and monitor their child’s Internet use. Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Library Director or designated representatives.

Abuse or misuse of equipment, software or policies will be grounds for revocation of privileges or possible legal action. The first offense will result in a one-month suspension. A second offense will result in a six-month suspension. A third offense will result in a complete suspension of privileges.

Library staff can provide basic help on Internet use and start up procedures. If you need more in-depth assistance, an appointment may be scheduled with library’s reference department. Assistance is limited to the use of computers and other devices and the software and applications. Library staff does not provide help on how to fill out legal documents, tax forms, medical forms, or other content specific areas. Please consult an attorney, tax preparer, medical professional, or other specialist for help in content specific areas.

Files or documents may be saved to removable storage device. Any files saved to the library’s computers will be deleted. Printouts can be made using our print control system.

Rules of Conduct

It is the policy of the Bullitt County Public Library to provide a comfortable environment that is conducive to the use of library materials either by individuals or small groups. The Library was created and is made available for the use of all members of the public and, in exchange, patrons are expected to observe the rights of other patrons and staff members and to use the Library for its intended purpose.

The Board of Trustees of the Bullitt County Public Library has adopted the following policy regarding conduct to ensure the comfort and security of all Library patrons. Any behavior or activity that interferes with legitimate Library business will be prohibited. Persons who fail to observe the following guidelines may be asked to leave the Library and Library grounds, either for the remainder of the day or an extended duration, or be subject to arrest.

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The following kinds of behavior will not be allowed in the Library or on Library grounds:

Any behavior that endangers safety or health.

Any behavior that is a violation of any local, state, or federal law.

Being intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, chemicals, or other substances.

Vandalism or deliberate destruction of Library property or materials.

Theft of Library materials or the personal property of other patrons or staff members.

Deliberate disruption of Library services.

Harassment of other patrons or Library staff.

Sleeping.

Misuse of the restrooms, including but not limited to:

Shaving and/or washing clothing or person.

Smoking.

Stealing supplies.

Loud talking, cell phone use, laughing, or the making of other noises that disrupts or could disrupt other patrons.

Smoking, eating, and/or drinking in areas not designated for these activities.

Entering or staying in the Library without proper attire which conforms to the standards of the community for public places, including shoes and shirts.

Loitering.

Being offensive or a nuisance in language, action, or body odor to other patrons or staff.

Soliciting, including but not limited to:

Selling goods and services.

Distributing literature without proper approval.

Soliciting donations or otherwise raising funds.

Panhandling.

Political or other canvasing.

Religious proselytizing.

Circulating petitions.

Otherwise disturbing customers or the public for purposes of eliciting or influencing their opinions and associations, or promoting any causes other than those directly related and beneficial to the Library.

Entering the Library before or after hours without prior permission.

Trespassing in non-public areas.

Failing to supervise a child, of whom you are a parent or legal guardian, so that he or she does not disturb other persons in the library or damage library property.

Failing to provide proper supervision of children or adults in need of care.

Bringing animals in the Library, with the exception of assistive/service animals or animals involved in library programs or events.

Bringing trash, articles with foul odor or articles which impede or discourage the use of the Library by others.

These rules are not all inclusive of every behavior that will be regulated on library property. The Bullitt County Public Library reserves the right to prohibit any behavior or actions which prove to be inappropriate or disruptive. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a pleasant atmosphere in the library.

Types of food and drink not allowed in areas designated food and drink appropriate include:

Beverages without lids

Beverages in containers with large openings

Messy snack foods, such as pudding cups or apple sauce

Meals or components of meals, including items like fries, sandwiches, pizza, or leftovers

Organized Groups:

Visiting organized groups including minors must have an adult with them at all times. This includes school classes, day care groups, scout troops and outside groups using the library meeting rooms. An adult from the group must be present at all times to supervise the minors as they arrive before a

program, during the program and as they leave after the program. The adult is responsible for the behavior of the minors in the group. The library reserves the right to expel any group that does not adhere to the code of behavior.

Minors Accompanied by Adults:

It is the responsibility of the adult to ensure that the minors in their charge adhere to the stated code of behavior in the Library. The library staff may politely ask the adult to correct the child if the child’s behavior is disruptive. If the adult cannot control the child so the child’s behavior falls within the code of behavior, or the child’s behavior presents a threat to the safety of himself, to others, or Library property, the adult and child may be asked to leave the Library.

Staff may ask a patron to leave the Library; may call for assistance from other staff, a parent or a guardian; may refer the child to a supervisor or to the Director; may call the police for assistance; and/or may, with approval of the supervisor and Director, suspend Library privileges of any patron who is not appropriately respecting the Library, Library staff or Library furniture or equipment.

Minors Alone:

Pre-school children should not be in the Library without an adult or responsible sibling. The Library does not provide a babysitting service or act as does the school system, in loco parentis.

If a child’s behavior threatens the safety of the child, of others, or of Library property, and the parent or other adult responsible for the child is not present, the police will be called to take charge of the child.

Minors who are left alone and do not have anyone here to pick them up when the library is closing may be turned over to police custody for their own safety.